I am in love with vintage pieces, and I'm also in love with nice tapered straps. On a vintage piece, which is mostly modest in size (34-36mm and sometimes 37/38mm) a thin, nicely sculptured strap is so much more elegant. Most of my pieces require 18mm straps, and for one reason or another, almost all major brands make 20-16 and 22-18, but not 18-14. They only offer 18-16, which is a shame, as the two extra mm do create a more 'bulky' look.

IF you succeed at finding 18-14, it's usually a more classical look strap, and not the modern 'vintage look' two-stitch or mid-stitch options. I do know that cheapestnatostraps has a couple of nice looking 18/14 straps in the range, but I refuse to order more there as the quality is awful and the straps just fall apart after 2 days of use.

What are your experiences with this? Are you also on the prowl for nice 18/14 straps? Are there nice, vintage two-stitch off-the shelf options in 18/14 or am I condemned to order every strap with a custom strap maker? Tips are greatly appreciated!

When I'm talking about a modern 'vintage' two-stitch, I mean this style - the strap on the picture also shows nice taper:

 

You can always go custom and get exactly what you want. I’ve had good success with Aprell Straps (for other straps) and I can’t imagine a handmade leather strap in those dimensions would be more than $60.

 

Yes custom has been my solution up to now, at about 40 EUR per strap I have a very good crafsman, yet I would like an off-the-shelf solution...

 

Did you ever get anywhere with this query? I have Googled myself into a semi-coma over getting an 18-to-14mm for a recent acquisition, and I'm sure we can't be alone with the problem. Thanks!

 

Any custom strap maker should do this with ease.

I’m sure Veblenist (@Optimizer13 here on OF) can do the same. His website is www.veblenist.com

Or JPM (https://www.jeanpaulmenicucci.com/en/collection/).

I get custom straps made at all sorts of lengths:

20/14
18/14
17/14
19/16
20/16

without issues.

EDIT:

OH sorry misread that you wanted off the shelf. Nvm.

 

I still really appreciate your reply, thanks for that! I'm ready to go custom if that's the way it has to be, but let's see what shakes out.